20 Jan How to make the most out of Blue Monday
For many, January is perceived as a time of cold weather and post-holiday blues. But what if we could put a spin on Blue Monday (Monday 20th), the saddest day of the year?
Whilst December is a time of good spirits, parties and plenty of socialising, January quickly comes along to bring us all back to reality. This has earned the month a pretty bad reputation. So, how do you flip the script and connect with consumers positively?
Think Outside the Box
Preparing an innovative campaign that aligns with both your businesses values whilst keeping things relevant to marketing days is important. For example, this year, we’ve organised a coffee handout for our client, The Queens Hotel in Leeds. The handout aimed to uplift moods during the post-holiday season, sparking a wave of excitement on social media as recipients shared their experience online. The event also showcased ‘The Queens’ new coffee partnership and supported Leeds Mind’s ‘Multicoloured Monday’ campaign. All helping to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and everyday challenges.
Encourage Creativity
Embrace creative outlets. Proven as a great way to de-stress from the pressures of day-to-day life, socialise with others and save money. Encouraging others to endeavour in a new activity is a great way to approach a Blue Monday campaign. Our client, Søstrene Grene, encourages shoppers to enjoy DIY or crafting at home throughout the whole course of the year, but highlighting this topic throughout January makes for a subtle, yet relevant talking point.
Suggest a Change Environment
The majority of the UK’s workforce undergoes a hybrid work week these days. So, January may be the best time to suggest that people take a trip outside of the home office to work somewhere. If you’re a restaurant, cafe or hotel with a co-working space, this is ideal opportunity to increase footfall.
Whether that’s through bounce back cards, mid-week discounts or remote working packages like The Alan’s which allow for all-day tea, coffee, music and workspaces. Even leading office space specialists like Bruntwood SciTech, who offer leased work environments or flexible co-working spaces for individuals or teams. January is the ideal time for them to promote events, gym amenities or yoga classes, pop-up collaborations with food or drink brands and more.
Re-writing January’s Analogue
Retail activity tends to decline in January. Whilst various marketing tactics are a powerful tool to encourage customers to purchase items during the post-holiday season, not all of them are fair. ‘Old school’ discourse surrounds the notion of making New Year’s resolutions, offering products like fitness gear or wardrobe updates to help customers start fresh. By emphasising limited-time or exclusive offers, it creates a sense of urgency for over-consumption just after Christmas, rather than positive narratives that should surround the idea of Blue Monday.
Blue Monday can be turned into an opportunity for businesses to positively interact with consumers. Promoting wellness through campaigns, like coffee handouts or creative activities, can make January uplifting for many. By offering co-working spaces or focusing on positive experiences, it helps shift the narrative of pushing post-holiday sales. Instead, it allows customers to resonate with your business, whilst enjoying something for themselves.
Looking to pull a full plan together to drive your business forward in the new year? The LUYA Effect is ready and activated.
Get in touch to hear more hello@luya.co.uk